What is Early Alert?

The Office of Retention and First Year Experience coordinates interventions with students through the Early Alert system, helping them identify resources to get back on track academically. The ultimate goal for students is to take responsibility for their choices leading to academic progress. The Early Alert system provides a mechanism by which faculty can refer students who are in danger of failing due to excessive absences, disengagement in class, failure to complete assignments or social/emotional adjustment issues.

What Happens Next?           

First Responders

First Responders are members of the SWU staff who volunteer their time to reach out to students referred through the Early Alert on-line system. Once a referral has been made, the First Responder attempts contact by phone or e-mail. The goal is to set up a face-to-face meeting to determine what issues or problems the student has encountered. Many times the student lacks knowledge of appropriate resources on campus.  Other students may be lacking motivation and discipline needed to succeed in college. If a First Responder believes that a student may benefit from an accountability partner and the student agrees, a referral will be made to Senior Sponsors.

Senior Sponsors

SWU seniors selected by faculty/staff as having a record of academic success as well as having developed skills necessary to support others are on hand to volunteer their time as Senior Sponsors. Senior Sponsors may meet with students once, twice or on a consistent basis for academic support.